University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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nvestina in Ability ' lauren deaton X by Paws for a Cause brings their dogs to the Diag as part of Investing in Ability Week, which ran from October 24 through November 1 , 2006. The trainers and their dogs did demonstrations of tricks and other activities that the dogs did on a regular basis to assist their owners. L. Deaton photo investing in

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It n Expect Respect I I by zach gasior Students discuss multicultural issues in an intimate classroom setting. Diversity was one of the many strong suits of the University. L. Deaton photo features 71

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The 17 th annual Investing in Ability Week ran from October 24 th to November 1 st , 2006 in order to increase awareness and support for disability issues at the University. The week was packed with i guest speakers, media exhibits, educational programs and events that were open to members of the University and the community from all backgrounds. One of the i ;hlights of the week was Dogs, dogs, dogs! where assistance pups in training visited all over campus. Assistance dogs were used by those with disabilities to help with daily tasks. Many of the puppies demonstrated some of their amazing aid skills. Students gathered on the Diag to watch their training, witness the bond between the owner and pup, as well as have a chance to play with the dogs. Other events included They Shall Walk, a demonstration of the Lifesuit by Monty Reed of the They Shall Walk Foundation. It was expected that one day this robotic device would allow anyone with a physical disability to walk. Students in the audience were amazed at the technology as well as the practicality of this huge advancement for the disabled community. In addition, Dr. Loraleigh Keashly from Wayne State University gave a compelling speech about bullying in the workplace. Another speaker, Carolyn Grawi of the Ann Arbor Center for fejident Living, raised awareness in her discussion about the daily struggles of living with a disability. ' And You Can Quote Me OnThat, a documentary produced by ' oguo on Diversity, premiered as one of the media exhibits. The film consisted of interviews with over ten University students with a variety of disabilities. These students candidly shared their experiences on campus to create a personal look at Michigan life with a disability. The film drew a diverse crowd of students and community members alike. The week ' s events greatly contributed to diversity awareness on campus as well as honored the recipient of the 6 lh annual James Neubacher Award. This year it was Carey Larabee, a Michigan alumnus who used sports to raise consciousness about disabilities. The award was an incredible honor that began in 1990 by the University of Michigan ' s Council for Disability Concerns (CFDC). It was in memory of Jim Neubacher, a columnist for the Detroit Free Press, an advocate for those with disabilities, as well as a Michigan alumnus. The week was a huge success that both raised awareness of living with a disability and brought many prominent ability advocates to campus. Most importantly, Investing in Ability Week recognized the gifts and skills that those with disabilities brought to the University and to society. Monty Reed of the They Shall Walk Foundation demonstrates how to the Lifesuit. Members of the use foundation hoped that their new technology would one day allow all those with disabilities to walk. L. Deaton photo features 73